Kerry town selected as best large tourism town while
Waterford grabs best small tourism town accolade
Minister of State for Tourism and Sport Michael Ring TD and Fáilte Ireland today (25th November 2015) announced that Tralee, County Kerry and Lismore, County Waterford, have been crowned winners at the fourth annual Tourism Towns Awards which took place in The Morrison Hotel, in Dublin.
Tralee picked up the top prize as Ireland’s best National Large Tourism Town while Lismore came out on top in the National Small Tourism Town category. Tralee and Lismore were chosen from a shortlist of ten top tourism towns, with the remaining towns all receiving certificates of merit to acknowledge their own impressive performances in reaching out to visitors and creating the best possible tourism experiences.
Congratulating Tralee and Lismore, Minister Ring emphasised: “Congratulations to Tralee and Lismore on what is a wonderful achievement and worthy recognition for all that they have done to welcome visitors to their towns. These awards are all about honouring the towns that put tourism at the centre of what they do and both winners really impressed, with their local communities pulling together for the greater good of their town. The people of Tralee and Lismore truly understand tourism and value their visitors. Ultimately, this shows in the quality of what they have to offer and in the warmth of their welcome.”
The Tourism Towns Award was designed by Fáilte Ireland to promote those Irish towns and villages which are working hardest to enhance their appeal to tourists visiting their local area. As the overall winners, Tralee and Lismore received its winning certificate along with a €5,000 grant each towards further developing itself as a tourism destination.
Aside from today’s two top winners, eight other high performing towns were commended for their work:
Best Large Towns – Highly Commended
Cobh, Co. Cork
Killarney, Co Kerry
Kilkenny, Co Kilkenny
Best Small Town – Highly Commended
Ardmore, Co Waterford
Adare, Co Limerick
Clonakilty, Co Cork
Kenmare, Co Kerry
Sneem, Co Kerry
In the run—up to today’s awards, a team of mystery shoppers visited each town to measure their tourism performance and the level of welcome to visitors.
Speaking today Fáilte Ireland’s Director of Strategic Development, Orla Carroll, welcomed the announcement of the 2015 winners – “This awards scheme, now in its fourth year, is not all about recognising those towns that do the best from tourism but rather those that do their best for tourism. Today we celebrate Irish towns and villages that have really embraced tourism and where all sectors – and not just the local tourism interests – have supported the strengthening of their local welcome.
“All the towns involved in this year’s competition have demonstrated what you can achieve when you demonstrate ‘pride of place’. Their commitment to their local area not only contributes to the sustained growth of Irish tourism, it is also a central part in the ‘tourism towns’ spirit which ultimately turns a good holiday into an unforgettable experience.”
With regard to the overall winners, the judges’ first impression of Tralee was that it had something unique to offer visitors. The judges particularly noted that –
“The impression you get when you arrive in Tralee is more than just a country town but rather it has a very special offering with a whole world of things to do for visitors.”
They also highlighted the many beautiful buildings and shops, taking particular note of how the town centre offered colour, flowers, well maintained shop and business fronts, both old and new.
Accepting the award on behalf of Tralee, Kieran Ruttledge, Tralee Chamber Alliance and Tralee Tidy Towns, said - Tralee is delighted with this vote of confidence in our collaborative efforts towards the development of a top class, sustainable tourism destination following on from gold medal success and improved performance in the National Tidy Towns 2015 and a double gold medal award in the Entente Florale in 2014.
“The Tourism Towns Competition has been the catalyst for further community involvement in tourism initiatives like the tourist information kiosk staffed by volunteers, the Blennerville Windmill and Tralee-Dingle Model Railway projects.
“In Kerry, tourism is everybody’s business and in Tralee almost 1,000 people are now directly employed in tourism related enterprises. Collaboration between the local community, business sector and local authority is the key to success and Tralee is a shining example of this approach”.
For Lismore, the judges noted - “They say Lismore is where the past is present and that's true. Beautifully maintained, compact, the visitor can step back in time with all the necessary modern facilities and services within easy reach.”
They also highlighted the lush and historic surroundings - all within walking distance – which are a particular selling point for visitors who can enjoy the local culture, crafts and history or just enjoy the tranquillity of the nearby parks and walks, all wrapped in the river and historical walls, monuments and churches.
Delighted to accept the Best Small Tourism Town, Mary O'Brien, Secretary - Lismore Tidy Towns, commented - “The people of Lismore are thrilled to have been chosen as a Top Tourism Town. It means a lot to the town of Lismore and will impact on tourism and business in the year ahead.
“Lismore has a great sense of community and pride of place amongst the businesses, residents and the many voluntary groups. The people of the town are constantly looking for ways to make the tourism experience as inclusive as possible and to encourage exploration of Lismore town and the general West Waterford area.
“Bundling and joint marketing of the town’s product offering has been a major part of the focus here which highlights the diversity of the offering from heritage and festivals to food producers, craft workers, walks, outdoor activities and gardens.”
Two short videos highlighting the appeal of all ten finalists can be accessed here [Ireland’s Best Large Tourism Towns] and [Ireland’s Best Small Tourism Towns].
You can download images of the top ten tourism towns here.
Ends
Note for Editor
Fáilte Ireland, the national tourism development authority, was established in 2003 to guide and promote tourism as a leading indigenous component of the Irish economy.
The tourism and hospitality industry employs an estimated 185,000 people and generates almost €5.7 billion in revenue a year.
Tourism Town Awards – what are the judges looking for?
The Tourism Town Award focuses on how participating towns have developed their local area in the following key tourism areas:
- Sense of Place – How the town tells its own unique story to visitors, what’s special about it, and what distinguishes it from other towns.
- Local Involvement - How the local community works together to provide an authentic visitor experience.
- Tourism Products Available – What the town has to offer visitors.
- Development and promotion of the town – How the town takes a unified approach to marketing and developing the town into a “tourism town”.
The Judges’ comments on the top ten towns
Adare
- The location of Adare is very strategically placed with coach tours stopping over on their way to the ring of Kerry.
- There is a guided walk through the Castle and a good heritage centre and tourist office.
- The river walk is particularly good with beautifully maintained gardens, and lots of tourists were enjoying same on the day.
- A great sense of history with the Castle and Abbey and of course the thatched cottages are a great attraction.
- The addition of live music and Irish dancing show in the Heritage Centre, has added another dimension to the tourist experience. It was enjoyed by all who attended.
- The welcome to all visitors which was observed was warm and inviting.
Ardmore
- The impression and reality that this is a very historical place unspoilt, where the locals are very proud of their town and what it stands for.
- There are some beautiful little houses dotted around the coast and little shops maintain their traditional fronts either occupied or not.
- The majestic Round Tower and St Declan Wells and Church overlook the town and cove as if it’s minding the people and the area which of course it is and was. This can be seen from all directions and related buildings and the cliff walk is a must, but not for the faint hearted.
- The centre has added to, and enhanced its natural beauty, with the upkeep and maintenance of the town. The town it very compact with a lovely beach and a number of small piers. There is a unique combination of seaside married with monastic dwellings.
Clonakilty
- Clonakilty is a beautiful town on the coast, the approach itself is very well maintained with beautiful flower displays, sculptures and is well signposted.
- As you drive down the hill into the town one can easily see that this is a lovely location, clean, very well maintained on the coast and full of colour.
- It has its own distinct style, feel and atmosphere. There is a relaxed and atmosphere here. Its ability to cater for a variety of visitor needs and interests in a small compact way, all in easy reach.
- It is picture perfect in many ways with its meandering streets full of colour and life, its huge culture, monuments and art displays are very impressive, not to mention the homestead of the very famous Michael Collins and all that history in the making.
- The new and old buildings and shop fronts all are very well maintained and create that feeling of times gone by.
Kenmare
- Kenmare Neidín (little nest) and that's what it’s like very compact, cosy, welcoming and it has its own distinct style, feel, and is very homely.
- It has an ability to cater for a variety of visitor needs and interests in a small compact way, all in easy reach.
- It is picture perfect and has a feel of arriving as if your home, one is filled with a sense of discovery and its streets and small lanes are all beautifully appointed.
- Its brightly coloured buildings, huge flower displays and well maintained shop fronts all help to create its own identity. The distinctive triangular layout of the town allows one to take in all sights in easy reach. A truly a special place.
Lismore
- They say Lismore where the past is present and that's true. Beautifully maintained, compact, stepping back in time with all facilities and services in easy reach.
- It has the ability to cater for a variety of visitor needs and interests in a small compact way, all in easy reach. Its picture perfect and has a feel of arriving in medieval times.
- The lush and historic surroundings all in walking distance allow the young and old to capture its magic, tranquillity, culture, crafts, history or just enjoy the parks and walks all wrapped in the river and historical walls, monuments, churches etc.
- The impression and reality that this is a very historical place unspoilt, where the locals are very proud of their town and what it stands for.
- There are the beautiful houses and shops maintain their traditional fronts, the majestic castle which can be seen from all directions and related buildings.
Sneem
- A lovely village, buzzing with activity, a friendly approach from locals.
- The centre has added to, and enhanced its natural beauty, the addition of the sculpture park, the senses garden, and the river walk with its strategically placed seating all makes for a great tourist experience.
- A great welcome given by locals, any persons approached were interested in speaking about what was happening in the village.
- It seems like to whole village has tourism as its main focus.
Cobh
- The impression and reality that this is a very historical place.
- Locals are trying hard to maintain the towns unique lay out and preserve all that is Cobh and its heritage.
- A very characterful town with big stories to tell.
- The waterfront and historic buildings/monuments and surroundings are all hugely influential in its history all making Cobh what it stands for today and why it is so popular e.g. the Titanic, Lusitania and its harbour.
- A great welcome given by locals/shop keepers etc. all happy to engage and genuinely interested in people.
Killarney
- Killarney is a busy tourist town, with an excellent selection of accommodation and gift shops, friendly locals and an abundance of things to do regardless of weather.
- The location has a huge impact on tourist attractions, it has a great sense of energy and always something to do, start a tour of the ring of Kerry, visit numerous historic buildings.
- The town centre is busy but has an unhurried feel to it, and the buildings in general are well maintained.
- There is a great sense of culture and history in the town with several churches to visit all within walking distance and castles just a short jaunt away, the use of Irish language was evident throughout. The trip around the lakes is especially appealing.
Kilkenny
- The culture of Kilkenny is evident from the time you arrive in the city.
- The use of Irish language can be seen on store fronts and add a great sense of place, there is history to be seen around every corner.
- The local people were very helpful, always willing to take time to point out the best attractions to visit.
- Junior Volunteers were observed giving a helping hand while the service in cafes and stores was very friendly. Also the tourist train with the friendly guide adds to the tourist experience.
Tralee
- The impression and reality that this is a very special offering more than just a country town but a whole world of things to do. Where the local people pull together for the greater good of the town and are very proud of their town and what it stands for.
- There are many beautiful buildings and shops, where the traditional fronts are very well maintained.
- The centre of the town looks well lots of colour, flowers, well maintained shop/business fronts, some old and new.
- The huge variety of parks in the centre of the town is very impressive, along with the boardwalks all well maintained. But most impressive was a small kiosk in the centre of the town manned by local people offering their time to offer local information to visitors in addition to the Tourist Office.
- It has the ability to cater for a variety of visitor needs and interests in a compact way in a very large town, all in easy reach. They have many unique products/things to do, offer and see within a stones’ throw of each other for all weather and needs.
- The town itself has culture, history, crafts, parks, Aqua parks, a Cineplex, Tennis courts, Museum's, Siamsa Tire, a variety of activities, the Kerry Camino, accommodation, cafes, pubs, and eateries, extensive shopping all a stones’ throw from each other and beaches in abundance from 1 mile away.
- Tralee is not only famous for he Rose Of Tralee festival but its heritage, beauty, great accommodation and eateries and has many historical monuments.
- The town park is a great attraction and the local community are very proactive in focusing on visitor’s needs. A number of maps have been commissioned in conjunction with a local map expert with a keen interest in the area and huge local knowledge with details of the Kerry Camino, the Dingle Way, the town itself and the surrounding beaches, mountains and areas all outlining all local places of interest and of course the Wild Atlantic Way.